Dharamshala, July 3 -- The exiled Tibetans at Mcleodganj in Dharamshala expressed their elation on Wednesday after the 14th Dalai Lama said that the institution of Dalai Lama would continue, thus making it clear that he would have a successor. Tibetans had been waiting for their exiled spiritual leader to speak on the issue of his reincarnation as he had stated in 2011 that he would address the matter upon turning 90. His video message was delivered to the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference which began at McLeodganj near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh ahead of his 90th birthday on July 6. The Dalai Lama said the institution would continue after his death, citing multiple appeals over the past 14 years from Tibetan diaspora in exile, Buddhists from across the Himalayan region, Mongolia and parts of Russia and China for it. Lhodrak Tharchi, who researches on China, said that after hearing the statement of the Dalai Lama, they are elated as the spiritual leader has accepted the people's will. "It is a big statement, especially for the Chinese government. We have said on a number of occasions that they (Chinese communists) do not believe in religion and they do not have any authority to say anything on the matter of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. He clearly said that the authority to recognise the future reincarnation will rest solely with Gaden Phodrang Trust. Tibetan people and all also those who follow Tibetan Buddhism will be behind the Dalai Lama and Gaden Phodrang Trust." Echoing the similar sentiments, Tenzin Tsundue, Dharamshala-based Tibetan writer and activist, said, "It's a great news for all the Tibetans. That (Dalai Lama's statement) is an important message to China. Whatever China may be plotting, thinking, mulling, they have no authority whatsoever." The 14th Dalai Lama's life has been one of extraordinary resilience. Following the unsuccessful uprising against the Chinese occupation in 1959, the Dalai Lama sought refuge in India, where he set up the government-in-exile in Dharamsala, and became the global face of the struggle. Tenzin Nyima, general secretary of the Tibetan Women's Association, said, "His statement also conveyed the message to outsiders that no one has the right to interfere in Tibetan traditions. Future reincarnation will be recognised as per his statement which is a direct message to the Chinese government."...